Summer is associated with something warm, sunny, and hot – and that, perhaps, is heat. Modern solutions like air conditioning prove to be of immense help. But they are not present everywhere and are not always environmentally friendly solutions. Well, that’s where Ayurveda, India’s traditional method of healing sciences comes into the picture. Now, it is relevant to speak about the ways to cool and build your health during hot days.
What do the doctrines of Ayurveda have to do with summer?
Summer in Ayurveda is described as “Pitta season.” Pitta is one of the three doshas, known as body types or types of energy forms present in Ayurveda treatments, which are closely linked with heat and transformation. During summer, there will be an increase in Pitta in our environment and bodies. It can lead to conditions such as overheating, irritability and skin diseases, as well as problems with the digestive system.
The good news is that Ayurveda has worked to restore balance to this overheated body over thousands of years. These methods, mostly natural, safe, and remarkably effective, can prove particularly helpful. Even more pleasant, many of these practices are simple things one can do at home.
What foods keep us cool in Ayurveda?
In the traditional Indian system of medicine, a certain amount and type of food are said to be beneficial in a particular season. For the entire summer, it recommends food.
Cooling Foods to Adopt
- Melons, grapes, pears, and sweet apples
- Coconut in all forms
- Cucumber, zucchini, and leafy greens
- White rice and barley
- Milk, butter, and ghee
- Mint, cilantro, and fennel
- Sweet, ripe mangoes
- Tender coconut water
- Rose water
- Sugarcane juice
Foods to Avoid or Limit
- Spicy foods like chilies and black pepper
- Citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruits
- Fermented foods
- Excessive use of salt
- Alcohol
- Coffee and black tea
- Fried and greasy foods
- Red meat
- Garlic and onions
- Sour yogurt
What changes should we introduce into our hydration summer routines?
One important summer practice is drinking a lot of water, but according to Ayurveda, this is not the right approach. The temperature and type of drinks also matter.
- Warm or slightly cooler temperature of water as opposed to cold or ice-cold beverages will be much more welcoming to the digestive system.
- One of the best drinks to take especially in summer is coconut water given the fact that it cools the body and contains a lot of electrolytes. It is cold and contains many electrolytes.
- Another alternative is buttermilk, spiced with roasted cumin and mint leaves. Not only does it cool your body, but it also assists with digestion.
- Ayurveda encourages ginger tea from cooling herbs such as mint, fennel, or rose petals. These can be served hot or cooled to drinking temperature.
- Fresh and pure sugarcane juice is one of the best refreshing summer drinks.
What herbs do Ayurveda recommend for summer?
Some herbs are also categorized as cooling and should be taken during summer, as will be seen with the following:
- Amla, or the Indian gooseberry, occupies a very special place. It is very rich in Vitamin C and has cooling properties. It can be taken as a powder mixed with water or honey.
- The cooling attribute is Sandalwood; one can apply them inwardly and externally. This will give a cooling sensation. This paste is applied to the forehead and chest to cool the body.
- Although the leaves of Neem taste very bitter, their property to purify the blood of the human system remains exceptionally good.
- Brahmi is a coolant herb for the brain. It reduces stress and heat in the mind. It could be taken as a supplement or added to cooling hair oils.
These herbs were studied scientifically, and research supports their traditional uses.
How do we adjust our daily routine for summer?
The Ayurveda theory prescribes changing one’s daily routine with the seasons.
- Early morning is the best summer exercise time since it is cooler.
- Heavy exercise should be minimized as it produces internal heat.
- Taking a bath becomes a must in summer. Adding a few drops of cooling essential oils, such as Sandalwood or rose, to your bath water can increase the cooling effect.
- Applying coconut oil to the body can help you remain calm when bathed.
- During the day, the best time for people to seek rest is in the afternoon when the sun beats down. According to a Perfect World sleep regulator, take a 15-30-minute nap in a quiet, cold environment.
This should avoid overheating and still retain your energy throughout that hot afternoon.
Sleep Better During Summer
It is not easy to get a good sleep on the hot nights of summer. Ayurveda has provided some natural solutions to this problem. The bed-sheets must be cotton, as they cool more than synthetic ones. The bedroom should be well-ventilated but not directly under a fan or air conditioning.
An after-bed soles massage with coconut oil keeps your skin healthy and helps you sleep better. You could also keep a small basin with some drops of cool-acting essential oil along with your bed. Thus, you get a fresh, calm atmosphere naturally.
In what ways can we help protect our skin in the summer?
Summer can be very harsh on our skin. Ayurveda has many natural remedies for this. The best remedy for summer skin care is aloe vera gel. It cools and moisturizes without becoming heavy. You can use it directly on your skin or mix it with rose water for added benefits.
A face pack of cucumber and sandalwood powder will help cool and refresh tired summer skin. Applying coconut oil, particularly after sun exposure, helps prevent damage to the skin.
What about emotional balance in summer?
According to Ayurveda, it might disturb our emotional plane and make us irritated or impatient. Cooling practices would be moon-gazing—looking at the moon for some minutes in the evening or spending time near water for a while.
Meditation and gentle yoga, especially in the cooler parts of the day, should help to achieve emotional balance. The cooling breath practice known as Sitali- breathing through a curled tongue- is particularly effective in cooling both body and mind.
Are there general lifestyle tips for summer?
- Loose and lightweight materials, including cotton, should be embraced when dressing since they are less heat-absorbed.
- Do not use synthetic fabrics, as they are hot-trapping in nature. Don’t overexert in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.
- Spend time in nature. Spend most of the time around a water source or under the trees.
- Storing flowers in the morning when they bloom is lovely, and morning strolls also bring clean air.
- Try not to expose your skin directly to the sunlight during the period 10 am to 4 pm in the evening.
- Use organic products that contain sunscreen. If you need to go outside in the sun, always take an umbrella or hat.
Conclusion:
These Ayurvedic principles for summer are not just ancient wisdom; most of them are supported by modern science. For example, it has been scientifically proven that coconut water is very cool, and medical science also has much documentation of the benefits of aloe vera.
These Ayurvedic recommendations will ensure a much calmer and more bearable summer season without artificial refrigeration.
Remember: small daily changes in the right direction are better than big shocks. Observe your body’s reactions and customize these tips to fit your requirements and life situations.